Immediate cleaning and recirculation of cleaning fluid and method of using same

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present disclosure is directed to wash fluid containment and fluid treatment systems. More particularly the present disclosure is directed to a method and system for treating and then recirculating cleaning fluids used in various cleaning environments, including immediate cleaning and circulation of fluids recovered by the system after their initial use in cleaning an object.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In certain environments it is desirable to contain wastewater fluids from washing activities and to treat those fluids for recycling and reuse and/or to recirculate those fluids throughout the cleaning system. For example, see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/032,562 filed on Feb. 15, 2008 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009-0065442-A1, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. There are systems and methods known in the prior art for treating water and for recirculating water collected or used by those systems for use in cleaning. However, these systems delay treatment of spent fluid and are inefficient in treating and recycling the wastewater and/or greywater. These delays and inefficiencies contribute to hazards and/or unpleasant working conditions.

These prior art systems specifically experience problems as a result of their failure to provide immediate and efficient fluid treatment, including but not limited to odors caused by the standing or untreated fluids, increased sedimentation caused by the standing fluid, increased storage capacity requirements to hold the standing fluid, and increased need for fresh or unused fluid to continue the task of cleaning for which the overall system was designed. These prior art systems also require larger footprints than are needed with the devices of the present disclosure. The prior art systems also facilitate evaporative loss of fluid due to the use of open standing basins or from other losses (such as losses due to lack of capacity for holding additional quantities of used fluids prior to or following treatment of those fluids) none of which occurs in the device of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to varying embodiments of the present disclosure, a wash fluid and waste fluid treatment system is disclosed. The system comprises a method for immediately circulating one or more spent fluids to a treatment apparatus of the system. From there, these treated fluids may be deposited into a holding tank for use in a cleaning process or into a waste holding tank for future disposal. The system in varying embodiments comprises one or more pumps for flushing varying degrees of dirty water from the system, recirculating one or more cleaning fluids to varying parts of the system, and further facilitates the transfer and use of reclaimed spent fluid for either further treatment or subsequent appropriate use throughout the system. According to at least one embodiment, the fluids that are collected and recirculated are used for processes other than those of the system from which the fluids are collected. Also, a description of pump and recirculation systems and methods known in the art and suitable for use with these disclosed inventions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,964,820, 6,766,822, 6,715,517, 6,132,599 and 4,306,967 which are all incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

The system and process described herein thus provides a method for continuously and immediately removing contaminants from spent cleaning fluid and treating that waste fluid. That treated fluid may not be reused in the cleaning system or safely discharged into the environment, including storm sewer systems or potable water supply systems. According to another embodiment, the waste fluid is transported through a purification apparatus associated with the overall device. Depending on the precise system configuration, these apparatuses could include one, several or all of the following subsystems: pre-treatment system to remove debris and certain heavy solids; treatment by methods and systems such as a conductivity solution injection system and/or electrolytic coagulation system, a polymer injection system, and a inline mixer for mixing the polymer in the wastewater stream; and an ozone or other oxidizing gas injection treatment system. In one other embodiment, each of the treatment sections of the overall device are contained within an enclosure cabinet that includes a controller and/or control panels, as well as, feed containers to hold the conductivity fluid, polymer, oxidizing gasses, etc.

Thus, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a self contained cleaning apparatus for continuously treating wastewater is disclosed, comprising:

at least one inlet for collecting fluids expelled by a cleaning device in cleaning an of the cleaning apparatus;

at least one separation apparatus for separating solid contaminants from the fluids received by the at least one inlet;

a pump for transferring the fluids to a fluid treatment system;

transferring the fluids from the fluid treatment system to a clean fluid retention device;

wherein the inlet for collecting fluids captures substantially the entire volume of fluids expelled by the cleaning device with the apparatus continuously transferring these fluids from the inlet, through the at least one separation apparatus, to the fluid treatment system and then to the clean fluid retention device.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for continuously removing contaminants from a wastewater stream is disclosed, comprising: <ul><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0000"><ul><li id="ul0002-0001" num="0013">(a) substantially continuously collecting wastewater produced from a washwater application;</li><li id="ul0002-0002" num="0014">(b) separating solid contaminants from the wastewater by at least one filtering apparatus;</li><li id="ul0002-0003" num="0015">(c) providing an electrochemical cell comprising at least a pair of conductive plates stacked in parallel spaced relation, wherein electricity is passed into the conductive plates and through the wastewater stream to produce a coagulated stream;</li><li id="ul0002-0004" num="0016">(d) injecting at least one coagulating reagent into the coagulated stream from the electrochemical cell and passing the coagulated stream to a mixer, wherein the mixer contacts precipitated solids present in the coagulated stream with the coagulating reagent to produce a reagent-mixed liquid;</li><li id="ul0002-0005" num="0017">(e) passing the reagent-mixed liquid from the mixer past a vent and into a flotation cell where a flotation cell liquid is produced through the removal of a majority of a coagulated particles from the reagent-mixed liquid; and</li><li id="ul0002-0006" num="0018">(t) passing the flotation cell liquid from the flotation cell to a settling tank where a substantially solid-free liquid is produced and transferred to holding device.</li></ul></li></ul>

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for fluid treatment and recirculation is disclosed, comprising:

substantially continuously collecting wastewater produced by the system;

a first, second and third fluid treatment compartment disposed in a single cabinet enclosure, the first fluid treatment compartment being connected to an outlet of a solid contaminants separation system, the inlet of the second fluid treatment compartment being connected to an outlet of the first fluid treatment compartment, and the inlet of the third fluid treatment compartment being connected to an outlet of the second fluid treatment compartment;

substantially continuously transferring collected wastewater to at least one of the first, second and third fluid treatment compartments;

wherein the first, second and third fluid treatment compartments consecutively separate particulates from the fluid as the fluid travels through the fluid treatment system; and

wherein the first, second and third water treatment compartments are each operably associated with at least one pump for distributing fluid to either: <ul><li id="ul0003-0001" num="0000"><ul><li id="ul0004-0001" num="0025">(a) the first, second or third fluid treatment compartments;</li><li id="ul0004-0002" num="0026">(b) the solid contaminants separation system; or</li><li id="ul0004-0003" num="0027">(c) a holding device.</li></ul></li></ul>

These and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, the accompanying drawing figures and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a front top perspective view of a wash fluid containment and treatment system according to a preferred embodiment;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a process diagram of the wash fluid containment and fluid treatment system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a top plan view of the wash fluid containment and treatment system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> with the sump section positioned along a lateral side of the wash pad;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is a detailed view of the sludge separator of the system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view of the water treatment system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> with certain panels removed to expose internal components;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a schematic diagram of a preferred wash fluid treatment process for the wash fluid containment and water treatment system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a front elevation view of the control panel of the water treatment system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a process diagram of a wash fluid containment and water treatment system according to one alternate embodiment;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view of the coagulation module and mixing chambers from the process diagram of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a perspective view of the belt filter from the process diagram of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a perspective view of the electrolytic cell module from the process diagram of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a perspective view of a cell assembly from the electrolytic cell module of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a perspective view of the sump area from the process diagram of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>; and

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a recycle system according to yet another alternate embodiment.

The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Varying embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings. It is expressly understood that although <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref> depict a washwater treatment system, comprising a wash pad suited for washing a vehicle, similar type of equipment or other objects, other sources of wash fluid and/or waste fluid are contemplated for use with the system of the present disclosure. For example, sources of wash fluid other than the fluid collected from the wash pad shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, could be used with the disclosed system. These sources of fluid could include, by way of example but not limitation, wash fluid collection apparatus, rain water collection apparatus, grey fluid collection apparatus, waste fluid collection apparatus, runoff water collection apparatus, potable water collection apparatus, sewer water collection apparatus, and waste fluid treatment apparatus. Thus, for purposes of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that several varying types of wash fluid or waste fluid (or varying degrees of “dirty” fluid) may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention, as described in the appended claims. It also will be understood that in this disclosure, the terms “water” and “fluid” are interchangeable and “water” may include more than H₂O and “fluid” may by simply H₂O, but neither case is required by the devices disclosed herein. Furthermore, the collected and recirculated fluids may be used for one or more discrete purposes other than those disclosed in connection with the device of the present disclosure.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> illustrate a combined system <b>10</b> for a washwater containment and water treatment system according to a preferred embodiment. The combined system <b>10</b> includes a wash pad <b>40</b>, a sump <b>30</b>, and a water treatment system <b>50</b>. A vehicle, other piece of equipment or object to be washed may be moved or driven onto the wash pad <b>40</b>. As the equipment is washed via the pressure washer <b>48</b>, wastewater is directed inwardly by the sloped surfaces of the wash pad sections <b>42</b>, collected via central trench <b>44</b>, and then transferred via a hose or pipe <b>38</b> to the sump <b>30</b>.

The sump <b>30</b> comprises a sludge tank/separator <b>32</b> and atrench section <b>34</b> including a weir <b>35</b>. The wastewater entering the trench section <b>34</b> from the pipe <b>38</b> must pass over the weir <b>35</b> in the trench section <b>34</b> and thereafter enters the treatment system <b>50</b> via hose <b>22</b>. The trench section <b>34</b> of the sump <b>30</b> has a hinged cover <b>34</b><i>a </i>that may be pivoted open to provide access to inside of the trench section <b>34</b>, enabling removal of debris/solids collected by the weir. Recycled/treated water from the system <b>50</b> may be stored for future use, properly disposed of or immediately recirculated to the cleaning wand <b>48</b> via line <b>92</b>. Sludge waste from the treatment system <b>50</b> is purged into the tank <b>32</b> via hose <b>24</b>. The tank <b>32</b> filters/separates the sludge waste from the water, the water passing through and into the sump trench <b>34</b>. The sludge waste may be manually removed from the tank <b>32</b>.

The water treatment system <b>50</b> includes an enclosure or cabinet <b>52</b> that houses/encloses various system components. The cabinet <b>52</b> is drawn generally to scale to itself, but at a slightly enlarged scale relative to the wash pad. The size dimensions for the cabinet <b>52</b> are illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, namely 92 inches (230 cm) long by 40 inches (100 cm) wide by 58 inches (150 cm) high. These dimensions constitute a preferred size of cabinet. The cabinet <b>52</b> includes: removable upper doors <b>58</b>, <b>59</b>; removable side panels <b>54</b><i>a</i>, <b>54</b><i>b </i>(two side panels on each lateral side); hinged front doors <b>53</b><i>a</i>, <b>53</b><i>b</i>; and removable rear panel. The water treatment system <b>50</b> and cabinet <b>52</b> enclosing the system are sized to be movable, such as by a forklift, the system having a capacity for treating wastewater from a wash pad sized for washing vehicles such as automobiles, pickups, various rental equipment and other objects.

Further details of the wash pad <b>40</b> are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/032,562 filed Feb. 15, 2008 hereby incorporated by reference. In a preferred configuration, the trench <b>44</b> is reversible. Depending on the orientation of the trench <b>44</b>, wastewater may be drained either forwardly or rearwardly for connection to the sump hose <b>38</b>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> illustrates the trench <b>44</b> oriented for drainage in the rearward direction connected by the pipe <b>38</b> to the sump <b>30</b>.

The wash pad assembly <b>40</b> may also include an integrated pressure washer system comprised of a hose reel and housing assembly <b>46</b> and pressure washer assembly <b>48</b>. The pressure washer assembly <b>48</b> includes a trigger valve mechanism, a wand and nozzle attached to a fluid source preferably by a hose <b>48</b><i>a</i>. The hose <b>48</b><i>a </i>may be wound onto a hose reel that is disposed within the hose reel housing <b>46</b>. The hose reel housing <b>46</b> may be located either on the right side of the wash pad (as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) or on the left side (as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-3</figref>) or other suitable location.

A grating <b>44</b><i>a </i>is installed over the trench <b>44</b> between the left and right wash pad sections <b>42</b>. The grating <b>44</b><i>a </i>has perforations for allowing the water flowing downward from the wash pad sections <b>42</b> to pass there through and into the trench <b>44</b>. The perforations are preferably of a desired size, typically large enough to allow for the passage of fluid and entrapped dirt, gravel, etc. into trench <b>44</b>, but small enough to prevent passage of larger size debris to enter the trench. Such larger debris may then be removed from the pad by sweeping or other collection process. Under the grating <b>44</b><i>a</i>, the trench <b>44</b> includes two weirs and a screen (not shown) disposed near the exit end of the trench <b>44</b> such that water must pass over the weirs and through the screen whereby some debris and heavy solids are inhibited from reaching the exit pipe <b>38</b>.

According to one embodiment, the wastewater from the trench <b>44</b> then passes via pipe <b>38</b> to the sump <b>30</b>. The sump <b>30</b> comprises a sludge separator <b>32</b> and a holding tank <b>33</b> including a weir (not shown). The wastewater from pipe <b>38</b> preferably passes over the weir in the holding tank <b>33</b>, the weir capturing certain debris and heavy solids, and the wastewater thereafter is transferred to the treatment system <b>50</b> via hose <b>22</b>. As described in greater detail below, recycled/treated water from the treatment system <b>50</b> may be immediately returned to the wash pad area for use by the pressure washer assembly <b>48</b>, or may be recirculated through the treatment system. Sludge waste from the treatment system <b>50</b> is purged into the sludge separator <b>32</b> via hose <b>24</b> through fitting <b>24</b><i>a</i>. The sludge separator <b>32</b> includes an outer tank <b>32</b><i>a </i>with a top lid <b>32</b><i>b</i>. Inside the tank <b>32</b><i>a </i>may be a bucket-shaped filter screen <b>32</b><i>c </i>that filters/separates the sludge waste and other particulates from the water, the water passing through the filter and into the holding tank <b>33</b>. A fabric filter <b>32</b><i>d </i>may be disposed in the filter screen <b>32</b><i>c </i>to provide enhanced particle removal. The sludge waste (which may be referred to as solids) may be manually removed from both the holding tank <b>33</b> and the filter screen <b>32</b><i>c</i>. The fabric filter <b>32</b><i>d </i>is typically a disposable element.

Thus, according to the embodiment shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, even before reaching the water treatment system <b>50</b>, the wastewater has undergone at least three processes for removing debris and solids, namely: (a) grating <b>44</b><i>a</i>, (b) the trench <b>44</b> (via the weirs and screen) and (c) the sump <b>30</b>. A pumping apparatus of known configuration (not shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>) may also be provided to recirculate the collected wastewater through these at least three and subsequent processes, may be sent immediately to the wash pad for reuse as washwater without further treatment or may be sent to a holding tank, or may be sent to another appropriate system.

Details of the water treatment process will now be described with particular reference to the perspective view of the water treatment system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the schematic diagram of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, and the process diagram of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. Wastewater in the holding tank <b>33</b> is pumped via pump <b>112</b> into the treatment system via piping <b>22</b>. A level switch <b>33</b><i>a </i>is disposed within the holding tank <b>33</b> providing a signal to a controller pertaining to the water level within the holding tank <b>33</b>. Operation of the sump pump <b>112</b> is controlled by a switch <b>146</b>. The switch <b>146</b> is manually actuated between the ON and OFF positions, the switch is in the ON position during normal operation, with a controller controlling the operation of the sump pump <b>112</b> depending upon the output of level sensor <b>33</b><i>a </i>in the sump tank <b>33</b>. Upstream of the pump <b>112</b> is disposed an in-line internal strainer, acting much like a pool filter for protecting the pump <b>112</b> by preventing large particles from entering the pump inlet. In operation, while the sump pump <b>112</b> is pumping water from the holding tank <b>33</b> to the electrolytic cell <b>114</b>, a metering pump <b>142</b> injects a conductivity solution from vessel <b>140</b> via injector <b>144</b>. Backflow of fluids toward the holding tank <b>33</b> is prevented by a one-way check valve <b>110</b> disposed in the piping <b>22</b> upstream of injection point of injector <b>144</b>. The conductivity fluid is preferably comprised of essentially a salt brine, which is designed to assist in the electrolytic process at the electrolytic cells <b>114</b>. A suitable conductivity solution is made by mixing a salt in water.

The electrolytic cell <b>114</b> is powered by power supply <b>113</b><i>a </i>passing a current across the cells resulting in flocculation and coagulation in the waste water. A suitable electrolytic cell <b>114</b> is constructed of multiple individual cell plates. The conductivity metering pump <b>142</b> is controlled by an on-off switch providing a desired amount of conductivity fluid to the system and in response to a sensor control. The current flow provided by the power supply <b>113</b> a to the electrolytic cell <b>114</b> may be manually controlled or automatically controlled to provide electrical current to the water stream at the electrolytic cell <b>114</b>.

After passing through the electrolytic cell <b>114</b>, the wastewater enters a mixer <b>118</b> which is preferably one or more in-line static mixers. A suitable static mixer is the series <b>50</b> mixer available for TAH Industries Inc., Robbinsville N.J. A second metering pump <b>132</b> injects a polymer solution from vessel <b>130</b> via injector <b>134</b> into the water line between the electrolytic cell <b>114</b> and the static mixer <b>118</b>. In its preferred form, the polymer solution is an organic long-chain high molecular weight emulsion flocculent designed to enhance conglomeration, i.e., enlarge the impurity particles to facilitate removal of particles later in the process. One preferred polymer is the NALCLEAR 7763 polymer flocculent available from Nalco Chemical Products of Naperville, Ill. The actual polymer solution selected will depend upon various factors including the input flow and the expected system impurities being treated by the water treatment system. After passing through the in-line mixer <b>118</b>, the wastewater is passed through retention tubes <b>120</b>, <b>122</b>. This portion of the treatment system is a continuous flow system and the retention tubes <b>120</b>, <b>122</b> are intended to provide sufficient residency and development time (reaction time) for the electro-coagulation and polymer flocculation to operate on the wastewater.

Upon leaving the retention tube <b>122</b>, the wastewater proceeds via piping <b>61</b> into the water tank having three water compartments <b>60</b>, <b>70</b>, <b>80</b> arranged in a side-by-side, consecutive arrangement disposed within the cabinet <b>52</b>. Pipe <b>61</b> enters the first water compartment <b>60</b> and is directed into a swirling cone mixer <b>62</b>, the cone mixer <b>62</b> is a cone-shaped sub-compartment preferable disposed in the first water compartment <b>60</b> (for space efficiency reasons but could be located elsewhere). Wastewater entering via the pipe <b>61</b> is directed in a centrifugal motion around the cone mixer <b>62</b> (due to the cone shape and the tangential inlet direction of the inlet stream from the pipe <b>61</b>) to create a swirling motion for the water flow. Some of the flocculated material is heavier than the remaining water and passes downward out through the bottom opening of the cone <b>62</b> and to the bottom of the first stage water compartment <b>60</b>. Flocculation material and certain oils that are lighter than the remaining wastewater float to the surface of the first water compartment <b>60</b>, is removed via oil skimmer or funnel <b>64</b>, and purged out via piping <b>66</b> for recirculation to the sludge separator <b>32</b>. As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the cone mixer <b>62</b> is supported by a bracket <b>63</b> between the side walls of the tank compartment <b>60</b>.

Wastewater from the first water compartment <b>60</b> passes through an opening <b>68</b> in tank divider <b>60</b>a and then passes laterally through pipe <b>72</b> into the second water compartment <b>70</b>. The opening <b>78</b> is at a mid-level position within the tanks. Heavy particles pass to the bottom of the tank <b>60</b> and are purged out through opening <b>69</b> into purge pipe <b>24</b>, while lighter particles floating to the top of the tank are purged out through funnel <b>64</b> and purge pipe <b>66</b>. It is intended that the wastewater at the mid-level of the tank <b>60</b> passing through the opening <b>78</b> would have the fewest particles. The pipe <b>72</b> provides a tortuous path for the “cleaned” wastewater (cleaned wastewater meaning somewhat cleaner wastewater due to the removal of certain particulates, etc. in the first water compartment <b>60</b>) exiting the first water compartment <b>60</b> and entering the second water compartment <b>70</b> for further enhancing particle removal. Once in the second water compartment <b>70</b>, the wastewater is provided with a relatively long residency time to allow for heavier particles and flocculation to settle down into the bottom of the compartment and be purged out of opening <b>79</b> into the recycle line <b>24</b>. Exit pipe <b>74</b> is also positioned at mid-level within the tank compartment <b>70</b> and has an opening at an opposite side of the tank <b>70</b> from the inlet of the pipe <b>72</b>. Thus the “cleaned” wastewater enters the tank <b>70</b> at one lateral side but must exit at the other lateral side. Similar to pipe <b>72</b>, the pipe <b>74</b> provides a tortuous path for the water to pass from compartment <b>70</b> out through opening <b>78</b> and into the third tank compartment <b>80</b>. Any heavy particles or heavy flocculation is purged out through the bottom opening <b>89</b> of tank <b>80</b> into recycle line <b>24</b>. The flow of sludge water through recycle line <b>24</b> (which is connected to opening <b>89</b>) is controlled by a control valve <b>88</b> and passed to the holding tank <b>32</b> and the sludge separator <b>30</b>. One-way check valves are provided below opening <b>79</b> and <b>89</b> to prevent backflow of sludge water back into the tank <b>60</b>, <b>70</b>, and <b>80</b>.

The cleaned wastewater within the third water compartment <b>80</b> is recirculated out from the tank via line <b>92</b> by pump <b>152</b> and through an ozone generator <b>156</b>, thereby neutralizing bacteria within the water. The ozone pump <b>152</b> is controlled via manual switch <b>154</b> as permitted by level switch <b>159</b> on the tank compartment <b>80</b>. As those in the art would appreciate, the generator <b>156</b> could be replaced with a generator of a suitable oxidizing agent generator device.

At the conclusion of these steps, the water within the tank compartment <b>80</b> is recyclable clean water and is pumped out by pump <b>90</b> via line <b>91</b> for reuse by pressure washer <b>48</b>. According to one alternative embodiment, the recyclable clean water may be pumped to another location, such as a storm sewer, a potable water supply, a watering system, a holding tank or even back to the treatment system. Since there may be some water loss within the system, a fresh water line <b>158</b> is controlled by control valve <b>158</b><i>a </i>and level switch <b>157</b> allows additional water to be injected into the tank compartment <b>80</b>. Fresh water line <b>158</b> may also serve to introduce fresh water to purge the system as necessary, or to mix recycled clean water and fresh water for further application.

As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, there are various points throughout the process for collecting fluids in varying degrees of “cleanliness” for recirculating to other processes or for immediate reuse. For example, each compartment includes a drain <b>69</b>, <b>79</b>, <b>89</b> for separating the wastewater from the treated water, whereby the wastewater is distributed via recycle line <b>24</b> to the separation system or sump <b>30</b>. However, pumping means may be provided to recirculate the wastewater produced by the treatment system <b>50</b> immediately to the wash pad <b>40</b>, or back to the inlet of the treatment system <b>50</b>. As yet another example, pumping means may be provided similar to pump <b>90</b> for distributing water collected by the system for reuse as a washwater supply to pressure washer <b>48</b>.

Alternatively, water, including both recycled water and wastewater, that is produced and collected by the system in its varying embodiments may further be distributed to one or more of the following: storm sewer systems, potable water supplies, wastewater storage systems, greywater storage systems, irrigation systems, washwater applications (other than those described herein), natural water supply sources such as streams or rivers, and a variety of other suitable uses for clean water and waste water.

Pumping means may be comprised of a number of different types of apparatus for distributing water throughout the system to permit continuous and immediate treatment and/or reuse of fluids collected by the system. By way of example but not limitation, pumping means may include small frame fluid pumps, medium frame fluid pumps, large frame fluid pumps, peristaltic pumps, reversible flow pumps, siphons such as gravity siphons, and sump pumps. Other pumping means are also contemplated for use with the present system and method.

Referring again to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, a space heater <b>170</b>, preferably controlled by a thermostat, is provided within the cabinet structure to provide a desired internal temperature in cold weather climates and/or other operating conditions. The treatment system <b>50</b> is provided with a control panel <b>165</b> located behind the doors <b>53</b><i>a</i>, <b>53</b><i>b</i>. Control panel <b>165</b> includes various controllers and gauges for the system, including the sump pump switch <b>146</b>, the ozone system switch <b>154</b>, the tank purge switch <b>167</b>, and the electrolytic cell check light <b>169</b>. When the sump pump <b>112</b> is running, the amperage gauge <b>172</b> will normally have an expected reading. For example, the operator may make the necessary adjustments on the amperage potentiometer <b>113</b> to provide desired amperage reading on the gauge <b>172</b> corresponding to the electrolytic cell <b>114</b>. The control panel <b>165</b> also includes a cell voltage gauge <b>174</b> to visually monitor cell condition, a cell check light <b>169</b> to visually identify cell depletion, a voltage light <b>178</b> to show that electrical is connected, and a run-time meter <b>176</b> to indicate hours of run time for electric cell. The pressure washer is preferably provided with a time-delay shutdown mechanism that turns off the pressure washer if too much time has elapsed since the trigger gun was activated, such as when the operator walks away without turning it off.

Referring now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, a further washwater or wastewater treatment system according to an alternate embodiment is shown. The system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is designed to collect/contain solids and/or wastewater, and provide at least one process for recirculating and/or recycling water in an existing washwater application. In yet a further alternative embodiment, the recirculated and/or recycled water is distributed to another application, or to a sewer. Based on the type of wastewater, a selection of components is made possible for incorporating in the system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. There are various components that may be supplied to create the optimum washwater treatment system, including, by way of example but not limitation, a pit system, a coagulation system, an electrolytic cell system, a belt filter system, and a recycle system. Each is described in greater detail below.

The system shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> comprises a series of tanks, valves, pumps, and other apparatus designed to circulate and treat fluids used by the system. According to a preferred embodiment, the system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> commences by collecting water in a pit or other vessel for collecting spent washwater from an upstream process, such as the wash pad described above in relation to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1-6</figref>. The pit preferably comprises at least one float, which is connected to a control system and indicates the washwater level within the pit. When water enters the pit, the float is triggered, sending a signal to the control system to start a pump preferably but not necessarily located in or near the pit for distributing water to downstream processes. Those processes are described in greater detail below. Similarly, once the pit is substantially drained by the pump, the float triggers the control system to turn off the pump. The cycle continues as subsequent wash cycles commence and additional washwater is collected by the pit.

If the application already has a pit system the existing pit will be used, but if it does not, then a pit system module <b>204</b> is preferably provided. The pit system module <b>204</b> has two preferred installation options. The first installation option assumes that the washwater application does not have a collection pit. In this instance the user would select the specially designed pit and install the pit below ground. The initial part of the pit would keep all large solids ½″ or larger from entering the waste stream. These larger solids would be removed from the wash bay manually by the operator of the equipment. All other solids and waste water would then enter the pit. The pit size is preferably minimized so that there is a minimum amount of water that would go untreated. The remaining solids would fall to the bottom of the pit.

In the example of a solids treatment application, the pit design is such that a single large pump <b>182</b> would be able to pump the solids out of the pit and into a solids separator <b>184</b>. This solids separator <b>184</b> would then allow the solids to dry and water from the solids would return to the pit. In the example of wastewater treatment, the waste water would preferably be removed from the pit and sent to the first water treatment stage, such as a chemical coagulation or flocculation process as described in detail below. The object is to treat the water as soon as it enters the pit, minimizing the amount and time the water is in the pit. Obviously, the pit could easily accommodate a holding tank or tanks.

Yet another module of a preferred embodiment uses chemical coagulation and/or flocculation to break the bond of the suspended solids, as shown in detail by reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. The coagulation module <b>200</b> detects the water level of the upstream process and begins to process the water. It is pumped from the upstream pump <b>204</b> and is injected with a coagulant. The waste water and coagulant are then passed through mixing chambers <b>208</b>. These mixing chambers <b>208</b> are sized such that the flow of water is slowed down to allow for adequate mixing prior to being injected with polymer. As they pass through the mixing chambers <b>208</b> the coagulant separates the solids from the wastewater. Once they have passed through the mixing chamber <b>208</b>, a polymer is added to the water by way of a pump <b>211</b> to supply the polymer solution from a holding vessel <b>213</b>. The polymer is designed to enlarge the solids or impurities to help facilitate their removal in a downstream process. According to a preferred embodiment, the flow of polymer solution is controlled by a flow switch, which turns a peristaltic pump on when fluid flow to the mixing chambers <b>208</b> is detected. A coagulant may also be introduced by means of a peristaltic pump <b>214</b> and a coagulant vessel <b>215</b>. Both the coagulant and the polymer may vary based on the waste stream. Floats may further be provided for determining the level of polymer solution and coagulant in vessels <b>213</b>, <b>215</b>.

The system according to the embodiment described in relation to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> comprises at least two tanks <b>216</b>, <b>218</b> to allow for continuous processing. The wastewater with the flocculants will enter two timing tanks. These timing tanks <b>216</b> and <b>218</b> are designed to allow the impurities to grow in size prior to filtration. While one tank <b>216</b> is purging/dwelling the other tank <b>218</b> would be filling, or vise versa. At no time should there be water in the tanks for any long period of time. The process of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> does not allow water to sit and/or stagnate within the wash pad or tanks, and further reduces the size of the footprint required for the tanks <b>216</b>, <b>218</b> and overall device. After a short dwell time, the tank (<b>216</b> and/or <b>218</b>) is then dumped through filter media <b>240</b>, therefore removing the impurities. A belt filter <b>240</b> (shown in detail by reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>) may be used to separate the solids from the wastewater. In a preferred embodiment, the belt filter <b>240</b> uses a predetermined micron filter paper on a roll. The paper is fed on a conveyor system and allows the water to pass through. As the water and solids enter the top tank area it is dispersed by a manifold <b>248</b>. The solids collect on the filter paper <b>245</b> and the water passes through the paper filter <b>245</b>. As the filter paper clogs or becomes used the water level will rise in the top tank and activate a float <b>246</b> to index the paper, providing clean filter area for the water to pass through.

The used filter with the solids is preferably moved off the conveyor and into a drying tub. This tub holds the paper out of the water but allows the paper to dry and solids to dry for ease of disposal. The filtered/clean water then can enter a sump area <b>260</b> (shown in detail by reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>) that can be pumped or drained to another machine or process, or recirculated to various other processes disclosed herein. The belt filter <b>240</b> according in this embodiment does not have its own built in sump, allowing for multiple installation options. A separate sump may also be provided with the belt filter <b>240</b>, which preferably is equipped with two floats <b>350</b> that will communicate with the downstream process and the upstream process and prevents the system from overflowing.

Yet another module, known as the “EC” module <b>230</b> uses electrolytic cells to coagulate and flocculate, and is shown in greater detail in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>. The EC module <b>230</b> detects the water level of the upstream process and begins to process the water. It is pumped from the upstream pump <b>301</b> and is injected with a brine solution to help conductivity, preferably from a brine vessel <b>305</b> and peristaltic pump similar to the coagulant system described above in relation to coagulation module <b>200</b>. It then passes through the electrolytic cell assembly <b>300</b>, which is depicted in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. The cell passes a current from one cell to another therefore beginning the separation of solids from the water molecules. The cell design is such that the EC cell <b>310</b> can be removed from the EC cell canister <b>314</b> by removing the EC cell lid <b>312</b> allowing for better cleaning and longer life of the cell. The water then passes through the mixing tubes <b>234</b> and once through the mixing tubes a polymer is preferably added to the waste stream. Similar to the coagulation module <b>200</b>, the polymer solution is circulated by a peristaltic pump from a vessel <b>303</b> for holding the polymer solution. The polymer is designed to enlarge the solids or impurities to help facilitate their removal in a downstream process.

The system according to the embodiment described in relation to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> comprises at least two tanks <b>302</b>, <b>304</b> that allow for continuous processing. While one tank <b>302</b> is purging/dwelling the other tank <b>304</b> would be filling, or vise versa. At no time should there be water in the tanks for any long period of time. The process of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> does not allow water to sit and/or stagnate within the wash pad or tanks, and further reduces the size of the footprint required for the tanks <b>302</b>, <b>304</b> and overall device.

As before with the coagulation module <b>200</b>, a second belt filter <b>240</b> may be used with the EC module <b>230</b> to separate the solids from the wastewater. In a preferred embodiment, the belt filter <b>240</b> uses a predetermined micron filter paper on a roll. The paper is fed on a conveyor system and allows the water to pass through. As the water and solids enter the top tank area it is dispersed by a manifold <b>248</b> (as shown in relation to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>). The solids collect on the filter paper and the water passes through the paper filter. As the filter paper clogs or becomes used the water level will rise in the top tank and activate a float <b>246</b> to index the paper and providing clean filter area for the water to pass through.

The used filter with the solids is preferably moved off the conveyor and into a drying tub. This tub holds the paper out of the water but allows the paper to dry and solids to dry for ease of disposal. The filtered/clean water then can enter a sump area <b>260</b> that can be pumped to another machine or process, or recirculated to various other processes disclosed herein. The belt filter <b>240</b> according in this embodiment does not have its own built in sump allowing for multiple installation options. A separate sump may also be provided with the belt filter <b>240</b>, which preferably is equipped with two floats that will communicate with the downstream process and the upstream process and prevents the system from overflowing.

A recycle system may also be provided (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>), which serves as the location and means for storing clean or treated water. The upstream processes push the clean/treated water to the recycle holding tank provided by the end user. Provided with the recycle system <b>340</b> are systems that prevent the water from going bad, including but not limited to fresh water makeup, rain water overflow and controls and one or more transfer pumps <b>353</b> from waste treatment or to a pressure washer as described above in relation to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>. The recycle system preferably comprises at least one in feed pump <b>355</b> and at least one recycle pump <b>357</b> for bringing in and recycling the fluid in the recycling system <b>340</b>.

A back flush valve <b>309</b> may also be provided in connection with the system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> for flushing the system or introducing fresh water as necessary to control the various processes described above. The valve <b>309</b> is designed to be in fluid communication with pump <b>301</b> for introducing fresh water to the EC module <b>230</b> and ultimately to the other systems via the recycle system <b>340</b>.

This system includes various floats and controls to allow for smooth interface with all treatment and cleaning systems. A programmable logic controller or other logic control means may be incorporated with the system of the present disclosure for automatically controlling one or more of the processes or methods described herein. The use of pumping means to immediately and continuously treat and/or recirculate fluids captured by the system allows the objects of the disclosure described above to be accomplished, and to improve the efficiency of the system.

The foregoing description of the present disclosure has been presented for illustration and description purposes. However, the description is not intended to limit the invention to only the forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

As used herein, “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings and skill and knowledge of the relevant art are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein above are further intended to explain best modes of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such a manner, or include other embodiments with various modifications as required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.